Men’s shoes come in all sorts of styles, shapes, sizes, and colors. It is no wonder that every man wants to find a pair that suits him best. This article focuses on the most popular categories of men’s shoes and what types are appropriate for each type. When shopping for your men’s shoes, keep the following in mind to ensure that you get the best fit, style, and color.
Dress shoes are designed to be fashionable and stylish. Dressing shoes are less formal than casual shoes and therefore tend to have a bit more variety in styling. The most popular dress shoe type is a traditional style with a high lacing and usually no lacing at the top. Dress shoes tend to be quite stylish and men like to wear them with the appropriate shirt and tie.
Chukkas are an informal shoe that can range from simple sneakers or running shoes to dressy chukka boots. Chukkas are also called Koccas or footers. A chuka is a type of athletic shoe and many schools and universities encourage students to wear this athletic shoe. The athletic aspect of a chuka is the flexibility that it provides the foot by having a flexible sole.
Loafers are comfortable and flexible, but also provide support for the ankle and have a lower profile than sneakers. Loafers are the shoe of choice for loafers, casual or dress, and are often seen in men’s fashion magazines and in men’s casual clothing such as jeans and khakis. Loafers are the perfect shoe for everyday and athletic wear, but are not appropriate for business casual, unless the wearer has a professional job.
Ballet flats are casual shoes that have a low, wide, flat sole and are appropriate for many occasions. Fashionable ballet flats are usually embellished with beads, lace, zippers, buckles, or other decorative details. Formal ballet flats are worn with tuxedos and can be seen at more upscale fashions events. In formal situations, they are worn on their own without a jacket, coat, or tie, although the classic black or white flat is still appropriate for a formal event. When shopping for a pair of ballet flats, you will find that there are several styles, including:
Oxfords are casual shoes with an elastic toe cap and heel that are closed with a metal clip. The term “oxford” is derived from a Latin word which means shoe, but Oxfords were actually manufactured in the English town of Wellingborough in the 18th century. Oxfords are popular men’s shoes that have a square toe and flat soles. They are popular with men for athletic, business, or formal wear because of the flexibility and comfort they provide. Commonly seen in Oxfords, men’s shoes such as boat loafers and dress shoes often have Oxfords attached.
Originally, dress shoes were quite simple in design with no distinction between shoes and sandals, but over time dress shoes have undergone several changes, primarily to allow men to wear them with tuxedos and other formal attire. Dress shoes have seen subtle changes to open lacing, decorative fastening, and closure, but the basic shoe remains relatively the same. Dress shoes are made in a wide range of materials, including leather, canvas, and other fabrics. Dress shoes are popular with men who want simple shoes that go with any occasion.
Another type of shoe men prefer is casual dress shoes. Unlike Oxfords and other more formal styles, casual dress shoes have evolved to include different textures, fabrics, and closures. Common materials include cotton, suede, and other synthetic materials. Many casual dress shoes are made with bright colors, vibrant patterns, and unique looks. They are comfortable and practical for work, date nights, or special occasions.
